Food franchisor Retail Food Group (RFG) Limited, is planning to make waves in the Pacific Islands.
As part of its aggressive global growth strategy, RFG has announced expansion within the Asia Pacific market through recently-acquired master franchise licences for Brumby’s Bakery Fiji and Gloria Jean’s Coffees Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Samoa and New Caledonia.
Master franchisee, Ariel De Asa, has been part of the company since 2006 and already operates eight Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets in Fiji.
“My ambitions for expanding into the other islands have been evident for some time and my aim is to build coffee awareness and culture,” he said.
“I want to spread the well-established operations of Gloria Jean’s Coffees and bring in the Brumby’s Bakery brand to help supplement one another.”
RFG’s international expansion model is based on recruiting master franchisees who purchase a licence to develop a brand in a defined territory.
“Support from RFG’s head office is absolute and allows you to plan out the whole market from a top level, so that you can control and establish how to successfully run your businesses,” he said.
“I originally joined the Gloria Jean’s Coffees family because I was intrigued by franchising; I loved the people behind the brand, their values and of course the coffee.”
As part of the master franchise agreement, the expansion plan is slated to see multiple Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets open across the Pacific Islands, and a minimum of four Brumby’s Bakery outlets within Fiji, over the initial licence term.
“Price and variety are two trends facing the Pacific Islands currently; people want more food and drink variety in caf establishments and the product’s affordability will determine survival within the market,” continued De Asa.
“These brands offer something for everyone, and I strongly believe they will be well received across the islands.”